SYP3511 Group Discussion #3 – Group Discussion #3 Small Group 1

For this group discussion, you will respond to the prompt below (50 points) and post two replies to your peers discussion post (5 points for each reply). Although I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the directions of this assignment before reading the course content for Week 4, please do not begin and complete this assignment until after you have read all of the accompanying notes for this week.

To encourage more thoughtful discussions, I have divided you into 5 smaller groups. Pay close attention to how many points each part of the discussion is worth. For questions that are worth more points, I am expecting a more thorough response. For questions that are worth less points, it is okay to respond with only a couple of sentences. I have provided a rubric for this assignment which can be accessed if you click the three dots on the top right of your screen.

**Reminder: Group discussions are meant to be a safe place for you all to have the opportunity to think critically about how you understand the social world. These prompts are meant to be mentally challenging as you begin/continue to develop the ability to analyze social issues using your sociological imagination. As you read posts from your peers, keep in mind that we all come from different backgrounds, experiences, and levels of familiarity with viewing topics from a sociological perspective. With that being said, I will not tolerate anything less than kindness and respect for your peers. Any student that posts content that is blatantly disrespectful, racist, sexist, classist, homophobic, etc., WILL receive a grade deduction for this assignment. **

 Group Discussion 2 Directions

PART 1- For the first part of this discussion, I would like for you to answer the following two questions:

• • (5 points) In your own words, describe the difference between serial killers and mass murder events. What types of characteristics separate these two types of offenders?
  • (10 points) This week, we have discussed a number of myths surrounding serial killers and mass murder offenders. We have also acknowledged how media representations of these criminal events greatly distort the real prevalence of these types of deadly incidents and what the average offender looks like. After reading the course materials this week, what facts about serial killers or mass murder offenders has been the most surprising and/or informative to you? Did any of the information provided this week improve your sociological understanding of why these killings occur? Please be sure to include specific facts from the lecture notes in your response.

PART 2- For the second part of this discussion, I would like for you to answer one of the following questions below. In your response, please be sure to include course materials and/or outside sources to strengthen your argument. This question is worth 25 points, so be sure to provide a more thorough response.

• • Examine the role of the media and the documentation of multiple murder events by first, researching Elliot Rodger’s shooting spree on May 23rd, 2010 in Isla Vista, California. Then, please read the CBC News Article “Should the media Stop Naming Rampage Killers?“. Richard Martinez, the father of one of the victims of the California shooting, said “the media needs to take some responsibility, and should not publish the gunman’s name, image or any related videos because it gives the killer the attention he craves.” Do you agree with Richard Martinez? Why or why not?
    • • If you agree, how much responsibility should the media take and what may penalties look like?
      • If you disagree, are there any other institutions (if any) to blame for creating a culture that popularizes serial killers and mass murder offenders?
  • Watch the Serial Killer Documentary: Paul Durousseau (The Jacksonville Strangler) (Links to an external site.)and research any additional information on Durousseau to understand the offenders life before his serial killing began, victim characteristics, and factors that led to his arrest. Based on your research, answer the following questions in your own words:
    • • Provide a brief description of where Durousseau committed his crimes, his victims, and factors that led to his arrest.
      • Accordingly to Holmes & Holmes (1998) typology, how would you describe Paul Durousseau? Does he fall under organized or disorganized serial killers? Would you describe him as ACT-FOCUSED or PROCESS-FOCUSED?
      • Were these any missed opportunities that could have prevented any victims of Durousseau? These missed opportunities could have been due to inaction from the criminal justice system, his employer, or improper handling of his case. Be sure to provide context in your response, using case details to support your argument.

PART 3- For the final part of this discussion, I would like you to construct two discussion questions for your peers (5 points). The only requirement is that your questions are to be related to the course content in some way.